IMAGE Business Woman of the Year 2015 Judges Lunch

Gorgeous Cashmere That Doesn’t Cost A Fortune

My ultimate luxury buy is a cashmere hooded sweater. The idea of being able to spend upwards of €200 on a top that I’ll mostly wear walking my dog seems like a huge indulgence. It’s like hanging a Richard Gorman painting in your bathroom. Most people will never see it, but you know it’s there. In September, I start to hunt around for (and drop subtle hints for as it’s my birthday month) affordable cashmere. Here are a few pieces I’m warming to for winter.

I love tunic tops so this piece from H&M is at the top of my wish list.

Grey tunic top, €149 at H&M

I wear woollen hats of one description or another through winter, but cashmere is my favourite. It’s so comforting to pull that super-soft yarn over your ears on the coldest of winter days. Plus, it’s a very accessible way to add cashmere to your wardrobe. People often notice the finer details of an outfit, like the hat or scarf you choose.

Textured hat, €46.23 at purecollection.com

This classic sweater comes in ten different colours, including those gorgeous earthy autumnal shades of burgundy and mustard. This is a great price for a wear-with-anything piece.

V-neck sweater, €79.90 at uniqlo.com

The great thing about this Gap sweater is that sizes range from XXS to XXL. Round necks look great in oversized styles, so I’d go large with this one and wear it almost like a tunic top.

Hi-lo pullover, €118.23 at gap.co.uk

This cardigan exudes granny chic, which I love. Make it look really contemporary by pairing it with something very utilitarian such as a leather skirt, or slightly boyish, like a really modern crisp white shirt.